Chapter 1388: Chapter 1388: Stop messing around.
Besides, Annie Anne knew that she had to be filming now and couldn’t always stay with Annie.
If she brought Olivia Thompson back, she’d likely end up all alone.
So, after a brief discussion with Charlotte Thompson, they decided that it might be better for Olivia to continue staying with Charlotte for the time being. Once Olivia grew a bit older, Annie could bring her back.
"Hmm hmm, Annie will always miss Mommy, and Mommy should miss Annie too." Olivia blinked her big, bright eyes, gazing at Riley Thompson.
Like a little bunny that stirred affection, this sight softened Annie’s heart unbearably. She hugged Olivia tight and showered her with several kisses before reluctantly letting go.
"Annie has to listen to Mommy Charlotte,"
Annie lightly tapped Olivia’s nose and spoke softly, though a trace of melancholy couldn’t help but surface in her gaze.
At that moment, Annie felt like a deeply unqualified mother.
She offered Olivia a smile, said goodbye to the other children, and then straightened her clothes before walking toward Oliver Hudson.
"I’ll leave now. I’ll come visit you again when I have time."
As she neared Oliver, Annie naturally reached out and looped her arm through his. Charlotte Thompson noticed this, her gaze flickered slightly, though her expression remained unchanged.
After exchanging a nod with Annie, Charlotte watched their retreating figures with an air of contemplation.
Noticing Charlotte’s subtle shift in mood, Justin Battleson wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin gently on her shoulder.
Because of the angle of his head, Justin’s cheek brushed lightly against Charlotte’s chin in an affectionate gesture.
"What’s wrong?" Justin asked softly.
Charlotte shook her head slightly. "I was just thinking about those things from the past."
The memory of the profoundly scarred and tormented Annie Anne back then—the one Charlotte knew—made the scene she’d just witnessed feel almost like an insubstantial illusion.
In the years they’d known each other, while Charlotte couldn’t claim complete understanding of Annie’s personality, she had a fair grasp of her thoughts through Annie’s usual words and behavior.
Annie being with Oliver Hudson like this—was this truly what Annie wished for?
Still, Charlotte quickly dismissed these lingering worries. Since this was Annie’s choice, no matter what, Charlotte would support her.
"By the way, most of the collaboration with Worsen brand is almost complete. We’re perfectly on track to send it off before the final deadline."
Charlotte turned slightly in Justin’s arms and spoke leisurely.
"Thank you for your hard work," Justin said affectionately before planting a kiss on Charlotte’s forehead.
Her hair brushed against his skin, tickling Charlotte lightly and making her shift uncomfortably.
Charlotte tucked her chin instinctively, trying to slip out of Justin’s arms. But with his cherished person held close, Justin couldn’t bear to let go—his hands tightened around her waist slightly.
Charlotte reached out to pry at Justin’s hands clasped around her waist, but he took it a step further by gripping her hands firmly instead.
"Stop teasing,"
Charlotte chuckled at Justin.
But when she turned her head, she noticed a few children sitting on the sofa, their wide eyes curiously fixed on Justin and Charlotte.